If you or a loved one need medical support from the Philippine Heart Center (PHC), you may be eligible for the hospital’s Social Service Assistance Program. This program is designed to help ease the cost of care for patients who are unable to shoulder the full cost of treatment. Whether you are an outpatient, an in-patient, or an emergency case, medical assistance, financial help, or cash aid to access life-saving care at the country’s premier healthcare institution for cardiac care is available for you through the PHC Social Services Division.
In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for Heart Center social assistance, along with the requirements, procedures, and contact details.
Program Overview
The PHC Social Services Division provides financial and medical aidMedical Cash Assistance Programs for Hospital Bills Philippines to indigent and low-income patients receiving care but are unable to afford the full cost of medical care. Assistance may include discounts on consultations, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, medications, or admission-related costs.
The program caters to both out-patients and emergency cases and involves a screening and interview process to determine your eligibility based on your financial capacity.
Coverage
The assistance may include:
- Discounted medical procedures
- Help with hospital admission
- Financial aid for expensive diagnostic and surgical procedures
- Social case evaluations
Who Can Apply?
The following can apply for assistance at the PHC Social Services Division:
- Filipino patients receiving medical care at the Philippine Heart Center
- Immediate family members representing a minor or incapacitated patient
- Out-patients, emergency patients, and those scheduled for surgery or admission
Qualifications
Here is a list of eligibility criteria that each target beneficiary must satisfy before they can apply for the program. These will help them assess whether a patient qualifies for medical assistance, cash aid, or diagnostic/therapeutic support under their social services program:
- Patients must be an outpatient or admitted at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC).
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Must present a valid and updated:
- Residence certificate (barangay clearance) for the patient, spouse, parents (if patient is a minor), and other household members.
- Must undergo a psychosocial assessment conducted by a Medical Social Worker (MSW) at PHC.
- Must submit a complete Social Case Study Report (SCSR) from the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).
- Must present property status:
- Assessor’s Certification stating whether the patient or household owns any property.
- Must show proof of employment or income:
- Certificate of Employment with salary breakdown and 1-month payslip for all working family members.
- If resigned, a certificate of separation from employment must be presented.
- If a pensioner, submit a copy of the latest pension voucher (SSS, GSIS, or Veterans).
- For self-employed or business owners: Present a Business Certification from the Mayor’s Office or Business Licensing Office.
- For drivers: Submit a copy of the driver’s license (patient and/or supporting relative, if applicable).
- Must submit identification photos:
- Two (2) 1×1 ID pictures of the patient.
- Must present proof of PhilHealth membership, if applicable:
- PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR) or proof of PhilHealth coverage for patient, spouse, or parents (if minor).
- Must be classified under a financially indigent or low-income bracket after evaluation by the PHC Social Services Division.
Required Documents
Prior to application, you will need to prepare the following:
- Latest residence certificate (patient and immediate family)
- Social case study report (from municipal/city Social Welfare Office)
- Assessor’s certification (property ownership)
- Business certification (if applicable)
- SSS certifications (for patient and non-working family members)
- Driver’s license (if applicable)
- 2 ID pictures
- Additional for employed/pensioner family members:
- Certificate of employment with pay slip
- Certificate of separation (if resigned)
- Latest pension voucher
- PhilHealth documents (if admitted)
Note: Documents may be subject to validation by a Medical Social Worker before approval of assistance.
How to Apply
For a detailed guide on how to apply for this assistance, simply follow the steps below:
For Out-Patient Applicants
Step 1. Get a Queue Number
- Go to the MAB Annex (ground floor) and get a number from the queuing machine.
Step 2. Fill Out the Patient’s Data Sheet
- Proceed to the Out-Patient Screening Section.
- Complete the Data Sheet and submit it.
Step 3. Submit the Data Sheet
- A Social Service Clerk will check your submission and provide:
- A schedule for your interview
- A list of required documents (see above)
Step 4. Attend the Interview
- Go to the Social Services Division for your scheduled interview.
- Submit your requirements.
- You’ll be issued a yellow card if you haven’t had your OPD check-up yet.
Step 5. Receive Medical Evaluation Forms
- Once the yellow card is presented, you’ll receive your S.O.A.P. form (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) and Data Sheet.
Step 6. Get Your OPD Card and Pay Fees
- A Nurse Aide will issue your permanent OPD card.
- Pay any applicable fees at the designated cashier.
Step 7. If Undergoing Procedure (e.g., Cath, Coronary Angio, Surgery)
- Visit your doctor or clinic.
- Get a Financial Assistance Form for your procedure.
Step 8. Arrange Financial Support
- Submit the form to a Medical Social Worker who will:
- Assist with processing your case
- Coordinate house-case arrangements
- Issue admission slips
Step 9. Get Admission Order
- Return to your OPD doctor to obtain the Admission Order.
Step 10. Submit to the Admitting Section
- Go to the Admitting Office (ground floor of the hospital building).
- Submit your admission slip and order.
- Wait as the admitting clerk processes your admission.
For Emergency Room Patients
Step 1. Fill Out the Patient’s Data Sheet
- Upon arrival at the ER, request and fill out the Data Sheet with assistance from the ER nurse.
Step 2. Attend Interview & Receive Yellow Card
- Go to the Social Service Office (basement).
- The Medical Social Worker will conduct an interview and issue the yellow card.
Step 3. Get Charge Slips for Procedures
- If you need lab work or diagnostic procedures, the Charge Nurse will issue charge slips.
Step 4. Request Discount
- Bring your charge slip to the Social Service Office for discount stamping.
Step 5. For Discharge:
- Get your Notice of Discharge from the ER Nurse.
- Then proceed to the Billing Section to get your billing statement.
Step 6. Pay and Submit Receipts
- Queue for payment near the cashier.
- Pay fees and present the official receipt back to the Medical Social Worker.
Step 7. Emergency Admission Process
- Fill out another Data Sheet if you’re being admitted.
- The Admitting Clerk will process your admission.
- Get a Financial Assistance Form from the ward nurse.
Step 8. Interview for Permanent Card
- Return to the Social Services Division for further assessment.
- Receive your permanent card if you qualify for continuing assistance.
Step 9. Final Discharge Processing
- Once discharged, get your final Notice of Discharge.
- Present this to the Medical Social Worker, who will prepare a recommendation for billing.
Where to Apply?
Applications are processed through the Social Services Division of the Philippine Heart Center, located at the:
PHC Compound, East Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila
- For Outpatient Procedures: Ground Floor, MAB Annex, PHC
- Emergency Cases: Emergency Room and Social Service Office, Basement, Hospital Building
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (for OPD and scheduled cases)
- Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (including ER assistance)
- Closed on holidays
Contact Numbers:
- (02) 925-2401 local 5111 to 5116
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Program, along with the answers that you might need:
1. Are there any fees involved in the application process?
There are no fees for the application itself. However, applicable medical fees may be charged, which can be reduced or waived based on the assessment by the Social Service Division.
2. How long does the application process take?
The duration varies:
- Outpatient: Approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes
- Emergency Room: Approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes
3. Can I apply for social service assistance even if I already have PhilHealth or another insurance?
Yes. You can still apply. The Social Service Division will assess your remaining financial need after PhilHealth or other insurance coverage has been applied.
4. Is the assistance guaranteed after I apply?
Not automatically. All applications go through a social case assessment. The final assistance granted depends on your income, family size, and financial situation.
5. Can a family member apply on behalf of the patient?
Yes, as long as they bring an authorization letter signed by the patient and present the complete requirements including valid IDs of both the patient and the representative.
6. How often can a patient avail of the social service assistance?
It depends on the medical case and financial need. Repeat availment may be allowed, but all cases are re-evaluated by the Medical Social Worker each time.
Important Reminders
For a smooth application procedure, make sure to keep these things in mind:
- Always bring original and photocopies of documents.
- Be early to avoid long queues.
- Keep all receipts and ID cards issued by the hospital.
- Always bring complete documents for a faster application process.
- Walk-in out-patients can usually be accommodated on the same day.
- Incomplete documents or missing certificates may delay assistance.
If you’re a Filipino needing quality heart care but are financially struggling, the PHC Social Service Assistance Program is a lifeline worth considering.
Video: Understanding the Philippine Heart Center
As the top heart hospital in the country, the PHC is well-known to help Filipinos get quality heart care, health education, research, and community programs. So, whether you need a check-up, heart surgery, or just health info, PHC is a trusted place to go to. Not only does it combine modern medicine with compassion and social responsibility, but if you’re looking for medical or financial help, PHC also offers services that make heart care more affordable and accessible for every Filipino. Watch this video from Signify to learn more:
Contact Information
For more details or clarifications, you may contact PHC directly at:
- Location: East Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Website: www.phc.gov.ph
- Phone: (+632) 8925-2401 to 50